We will be hiking up to the top of Mt. Carrigain (4680 ft.) via the Signal Ridge Trail, for a 10 mile round trip.  The lower portions of the hike should be a fairly moderate ascent, and at this time of the year will be clear of snow.  As we get to the upper ridges, the trail will get progressively steeper, and with lots of snow still on the ground right up to treeline.  It will be of the wet slushy type, and you are advised to bring gaiters to keep your feet dry.  You might consider bringing snowshoes, or at the very least some stabilizers/yak traks.  The open ridges should be free of snow, but are likely to be chilly, so bring lots of layers to put on and take off as needed.  Bring lots of water, and food, as we will probably have a nice lunch stop on the open ridge below the summit.  The summit itself is forested, but has a nice firetower which offers awesome views of the southern edge of the Presidentials.  There will also be some stream crossings in the "easier" lower sections of the trail, which are likely to be swollen with meltwater, so be prepared (trekking poles, or walking sticks are very helpful in these situations).  Rain will cancel this event.

 The trailhead for the Signal Ridge Trail is accessed from the Sawyer River Road.  This road is gated and closed in winter, but it is usually opened by May 1st.  This road is about 3 miles north of the town of Bartlett on US 302 (or about 2 miles south of the Notchland Inn in Crawford Notch).  Go 2 miles on Sawyer River Road, and you'll see the trailhead on the right (north) side.  We will be waiting there.  If for some reason the Sawyer River Road is closed, you will need to leave your car at Rt. 302, and we will then be meeting there, in case of this development.  We will all then need to walk the 2 miles to the trailhead (and back), which will add another four miles to this hike, for a total of 14 miles.  If that's the case, we will do a head count to see who wants to continue, or not, under these circumstances.